Adebayo Akinfenwa almost signed for AFC Wimbledon last summer, and the striker has put it down to fate that he is here now.

The 32-year-old had turned down Neal Ardley for a shot at League One football with Gillingham, but when his contract in Kent came to an end in June, he knew the time was right to accept another approach from the Dons.

Akinfenwa has signed a two-year deal – or “project” as he calls it – at the Cherry Red Records stadium, and if his reception at the meet the manager evening yesterday is anything to by, he will be a fans’ favourite.

He said: “I came within a whisker of signing last year because I was so impressed with what Neal [Ardley] told me about what he wants to do.

“But I wanted to play League One football - any footballer will tell you they want to play at the highest level possible.

“When I decided not to sign a new contract, Neal called me again and I knew straight away that this was the right move.”